News & Stories for Musicians

Call for Artists: Help UK Access EU Funding Through Creative Europe Programme

UK musicians are missing out on major EU funding. Help the Forum on EU-UK Cultural & Media Relations advocate for the UK joining Creative Europe by submitting a short testimonial.

Published: 04 June 2026

A closeup of a person's hands typing at a laptop with their passport on the table.

Electronic Entry and Exit System for the EU and UK Now Live

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now live. Find out how it works, what changes to expect at the border, and where to access guidance to help you prepare for travel and touring in the EU.

Published: 30 April 2026

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster outside the European Parliament building.

MU Joins Policymakers in Brussels to Discuss UK–EU Cultural Exchange

This week, the MU joined a creative industries delegation in Brussels to discuss strengthening cultural exchange between the UK and the EU, including removing barriers to cross-border touring.

Published: 25 March 2026

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

MU Welcomes EU Visa Policy Strategy Paper

The European Commission has released a new strategy paper on finding solutions to EU touring barriers for artists.

Published: 10 February 2026

Group of seven people, named in the caption, standing together in a regal Parliament building.

MU Gives Evidence on EU Touring to MPs on Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee about touring in the EU, alongside musician Kate Nash and Hanna Madalska-Gayer at the Association of British Musicians (ABO).

Published: 03 February 2026

Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at TUC 2025, addressing delegates about the motion on AI and the creative industries.

MU Motions on AI and EU Touring Pass at Trade Union Congress 2025

This week, the MU attended the annual TUC Congress, where our motions on key issues including AI, copyright reform and post-Brexit EU touring all passed unanimously.

Published: 10 September 2025

A hand holding the new blue British passport.

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EES, an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping, is finally set to launch in October 2025. These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders.

Published: 26 August 2025

Dave, Jon and Olga standing in a room in Parliament with MPs and Peers.

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

Last week the Union met with MPs and Peers to press for progress on EU touring barriers at a parliamentary roundtable.

Published: 25 July 2025

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

New Guidance for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The MU has published new guidance on what the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) mean for musicians selling merchandise in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 16 January 2025

A woman standing in an airport with a suitcase watching a plane take off through the window.

Carry on Touring Campaign Hosts UK-EU Summit and Lobby Day in Parliament

Members are invited to attend a Summit and Lobby Day in support of free movement for touring artists and professionals across the EU, hosted by Carry On Touring.

Published: 15 January 2025

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

A hand stamping a passport at border control.

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Published: 22 October 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024

A fiddle player playing with an accordion player as part of a folk music performance.

Take Part in European Folk Day on 23 September

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 2nd annual European Folk Day taking place on 23 September 2024.

Published: 22 August 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Young Black Woman wearing headphones and smiling at an open laptop.

MU Welcomes Launch of GENIE - A New Resource Collating Gender Equality Projects in Europe

GENIE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe) is a new database of gender equality networks, seeking to connect activists, networks and projects working with a shared mission towards gender equality in music.

Published: 02 April 2024

A hand holding a new Navy British citizen passport.

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

In a joint formal agreement, UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups have called for more flexible travel arrangements and the creation of a cultural visa waiver for creative workers in the EU.

Published: 15 November 2023

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Close-up of a musician playing the acoustic guitar outdoors, selective focus on the fretboard of the instrument.

Take Part in EFN’s First European Folk Day

The MU is affiliated with the European Folk Network (EFN) and 23 September will mark a day of celebration to raise the profile of traditional music, dance and storytelling.

Published: 04 September 2023

Three people sat in an airport with suitcase and an acoustic guitar.

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The additional information from the EU Commission on touring with portable instruments and supplementary equipment will provide some clarity for MU members.

Published: 04 May 2023

Kelly Wood, Paul Smith, Annabella Coldrick and Jeremy Pritchard post panel at Liverpool Sound City 2023.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

The MU led an insightful panel discussion at this year’s event on the UK live sector’s new relationship with Europe.

Published: 04 May 2023

Violin, acoustic guitar and percussion instruments on tiled carpet representing European folk style.

MU Joins the European Folk Network

The MU has joined the pan-Europe organisation supporting folk and traditional music and culture across Europe.

Published: 21 April 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

Roadie tipping a flightcase over on it's side in a room of other storage boxes.

MU Responds to APPG Report Which Sets to Remove Barriers To EU Tours and Help Boost UK Music Industry

The new APPG Report provides details on the action the Government should take to help UK musicians and crew tour Europe more easily.

Published: 20 July 2022

Stacked cardboard boxes next to a cotton sack with a large euro symbol on.

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

In June HW Fisher and the MU’s Head of International Dave Webster presented a webinar for members entitled ‘Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU’ and the video is now available to watch back.

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Windscreen drivers view of a touring van, an open road and greenery are ahead.

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

In this insightful case study, MU member Sarah McQuaid outlines the extensive process she has gone through prior to touring in Ireland and Europe.

Published: 20 June 2022

Sunshine brightly lights two scanning machines at an airport, one for placing your bags through and one for walking through

Working in the EU Post Brexit: Performing in Marbella

In this helpful case study, freelance musician and MU member Martin Ledger talks us through the steps he took along with his band when transporting equipment to perform at a corporate event in Marbella.

Published: 24 May 2022

A car sits in a queue of cars at a check point, bright bollards separate the lines and it's a clear, bright day.

Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

Following concerns raised by the MU on passenger limits, DCMS have provided further clarification around their advice for musicians travelling via Eurotunnel – and confirmed that the passenger limit does not necessarily need to be three-people.

Published: 10 May 2022

Train waits at busy st Pancras train station as passengers travel

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

The data from this survey will be used to lobby for the St Pancras Eurostar terminal in London to become a designated port for instruments requiring a MIC certificate to travel. Opening up a quick and affordable way for these musicians to access Europe for work.

Published: 02 March 2022

Open passport showing country stamps, lying over a map of the world.

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

Photograph of a transit van driving down an empty road, beautiful mountain scenery is in the misty background.

MU Welcomes UK Government Announcement That “Splitter Vans” Can Be Used For European Tours

The MU is delighted by the Government announcement that “splitter vans” can be used by British musicians touring Europe. The MU has been lobbying to ensure musicians can continue to tour Europe post-Brexit using this type of vehicle.

Published: 30 September 2021

Photograph of a white car from the side, zoomed in on the wing mirror.

Driving in the EU: Number Plate Legislation Change

It has come to our attention that from Tuesday 28 September, cars displaying a GB sticker or number plate sign will need to either cover it up or remove it.

Published: 24 September 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

A German red train running in hazy dusky light through a field of yellowy green grass.

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

The call comes following concerns that Brexit border bureaucracy is killing the export of UK music through increased costs and processes, putting the world-class standing of UK music at risk.

Published: 18 March 2021

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